Mr Robinson said: “This is a significant piece of legislation that will enable the Executive to provide the security and peace of mind that the people of Northern Ireland deserve. There has been considered and determined debate on this issue over recent weeks and as a result I am sure we have delivered a bill that is robust and that meets the needs we have identified.
“The Bill will ensure that for the first time, the Northern Ireland Executive can be truly responsive, adapting to the needs of our people in any given situation. It is the least that any citizen can expect and is a prime example of what devolution can achieve for local people.”
Welcoming the passage of the Bill through its final stage in the Assembly Mr McGuinness said: “We have taken another step towards providing vital assistance to those in our community in most need. To portray its passage as anything other than this is merely a futile attempt to score political points in relation to an issue which is above such petty considerations.
“The First Minster and I will now work with Executive colleagues to have all the necessary mechanisms in place once the Bill becomes law, its enabling powers will be used immediately to provide the statutory basis for the £150 fuel poverty payment announced by the Minister of Finance and Personnel as part of the Executive’s response to the economic downturn.”
The Bill will now be referred for Royal Assent. It is hoped that this will be achieved by the end of next week.
Notes to Editors:
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